Week 3 Rankings: Top 15 Kickers

Kickers are often considered a fantasy oversight, though that doesn’t mean that they won’t have an impact. Let’s take a look at how I’d rank the Top 15 kickers for the upcoming week:

Garrett Hartley – New Orleans Saints – vs. Atlanta

Mason Crosby – Green Bay Packers – at Chicago

Stephen Gostkowski – New England Patriots – vs. Buffalo

Ryan Longwell – Minnesota Vikings – vs. Detroit

Neil Rackers – Houston Texans – vs. Dallas

Nate Kaeding – San Diego Chargers – at Seattle

Rob Bironas – Tennessee Titans – at New York Giants

Jeff Reed – Pittsburgh Steelers – at Tampa Bay

David Akers – Philadelphia Eagles – at Jacksonville

Lawrence Tynes – New York Giants – vs. Tennessee

Matt Prater – Denver Broncos – vs. Indianapolis

Adam Vinatieri – Indianapolis Colts – at Denver

Dan Carpenter – Miami Dolphins – vs. New York Jets

Sebastian Janikowski – Oakland Raiders – at Arizona

Billy Cundiff – Baltimore Ravens – vs. Cleveland

The Packers have already scored seven touchdowns, which immediately helps Mason Crosby’s value. Throw in three field goals of at least 40 yards (including one of over 50), and you get one of the better kickers in the league.

Speaking of high scoring teams, the Texans have proven that they can move the ball with the best of them. Like Crosby, he has made seven extra points. He has also added three field goals between 40-49 yards. In 2008 and 2009, he only made six kicks in that range each year. He’s certainly having a good start to the year and a likely high-scoring affair should help him once again.

With the questions surrounding the Steeler’s offense, would it surprise anyone if they had to settle for a few field goals? That certainly helps Jeff Reed’s potential value.

The question is going to be if the Broncos can keep up with the Colts on the scoreboard. If they can come close, that’s going to mean a good day for Matt Prater.

What are your thoughts on these rankings? Who’s too high? Who’s too low?